One Piece: Transmigrated as Crocodile

Chapter 343 CHAPTER 343 - Slave Dealer Saraco

Jewelry Bonney, Bege, Kid, Killer, Drake, Urouge, and others had already arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.

The Straw Hat crew, after defeating Gecko Moria, had also begun to stand out, becoming the top of the rookies. Rumors even circulated that they had taken down the legendary pirate, Gold Lion, though few believed it.

After all, Gold Lion was a man who had once rivaled the Pirate King decades ago—how could a green rookie take him down? Previously, underground sources reported that Gold Lion was gathering a crew, preparing for some grand scheme.

"This place is lively."

Valentine walked alongside Rosen through the bustling market streets, where pirates strutted openly.

Merchants here did business with pirates, and since no one dared to cause trouble so close to Marine Headquarters, trade continued relatively normally.

Some things seemed unusual, but people in this world had grown accustomed to it. Pirate forces were abundant, and this era was one where both light and darkness openly coexisted.

Most merchants abroad didn't fear pirates, and many even had connections with them, though some had grudges.

Pirates, known for spending recklessly, rarely saved money. No one knew if they'd see tomorrow's sun, so they developed a "live for the moment" habit.

Still, this was not a lawless zone. Occasionally, Marines patrolled to maintain order, and then luck determined whether one could escape.

"Sir Lovell, look, this is a slave I just bought today—a fighter type. Paid fifty million Berries."

On some streets, nobles walked with guards for safety.

They wore elaborate, impeccable clothing, clearly distinguishable from ordinary citizens.

This street was well-known for its diversity of patrons. Nobles often recognized each other and exchanged greetings.

Rosen noticed that the nobles' main form of competition seemed to revolve around the strength of their slaves. Earlier stories had only lightly touched on slavery, but here, the atmosphere was strong—from nobles comparing their slaves to bounty hunters looking for rare obedient women.

"You look promising. What was your previous status? Seems you've trained hard. Don't run away like last time, that's not profitable."

"A pirate, and even a captain. Last time, mine didn't run, he accidentally got bitten while trying to escape."

"How cruel."

"Ha, can't say that. He wouldn't run, and my dog doesn't chase either…"

"Tomorrow, there'll be some fine stock. Want to check it out?"

"Not tomorrow. I'm hosting the Rozwald family banquet, can't leave."

"Lucky you, Sir Lovell. I wish I could attend a Celestial Dragon banquet someday…"

Their conversation was modest in volume, yet Rosen, constantly exercising Observation Haki, picked up everything clearly.

After exploring Sabaody for a while, Rosen found a place to rest and eat, subconsciously collecting information from nearby conversations.

He had a habit of dining in crowded areas, listening to interactions to gather intelligence.

Entering a nicely decorated tavern, he noticed two muscular humans tied to stone pillars like watchdogs, staring blankly.

Though human trafficking was illegal, slavery ran rampant on Sabaody. Few dared intervene, as Celestial Dragons were the largest consumers.

"You can see traces of slaves everywhere on this island," Rosen remarked lightly.

"Fulfilling every wealthy person's twisted desires," Valentine said, disliking the oppressive atmosphere. Without slavery here, it would be even better.

Her Observation Haki wasn't exceptional, but she overheard nobles discussing women in ways that disgusted her.

Just as Rosen and Valentine sat, a well-dressed man approached with a smile, bowing politely.

"Greetings, Lord Crocodile. I'm Saraco. What brings you to Sabaody? Interested in taking some local specialties with you?"

"What do you mean by specialties?"

Rosen remained calm. Being recognized was expected. He had no intention of hiding his identity. As long as he didn't act recklessly, the Marines were unlikely to target him.

After all, dragging in an Admiral would strain Marine Headquarters against Whitebeard. One Admiral, however, wasn't enough to threaten the entire Dawn crew.

"Straightforwardly, Lord Crocodile, are you interested in slaves? Devil Fruit users? Beauties? Long-armed types? Mermaids? Whatever you want, with enough money, we can provide."

Saraco spread his hands confidently. He understood that the fiercer the pirate, the stronger their desires—be it for destruction or possession. He could turn these desires to profit.

"Of course, if you prefer 'noble' types, we have those too, but at a higher price and any ensuing trouble is not our responsibility."

"Who sent you? Bold, but are you sure you have every type of slave?"

Rosen glanced at Saraco, uninterested yet noting the man's confidence.

Clearly, directly marketing to a famous pirate was something Saraco had done successfully many times.

Thinking of Miggs, Rosen didn't immediately dismiss him.

"Lord, you may not know, but though we're a minor branch under Doflamingo, in terms of slave trade, no one on Sabaody is more skilled or better stocked than us."

"Then help me find someone. She was a slave too. If you get accurate information, I'll pay you two hundred million Berries."

A professional is far more effective than a novice.

"You only want to find her? No other products?" Saraco was taken aback; this wasn't his planned script.

"What? Refuse?"

"Not refusing. If we can't find her, our effort is wasted. Two hundred million is tempting, but we don't work for unstable income."

Saraco declined.

"If you fail, I'll still pay one hundred million Berries. Of course, consequences follow if you take money and do nothing."

"A sure-profit business. We're merchants; credibility comes first. But really, you're not interested in any other products from our shop?" Saraco's expression shifted quickly, reluctant to lose a rich client.

"Don't make me repeat myself. It would make me seem unclear."

Rosen's eyes sharpened. Otherwise, he might have struck the man.

"Ha! What a coincidence, Crocodile! Come out and face death!"

Just as Saraco's face shifted, a brazen voice rang from outside.